The road system in Austria is one of the most advanced in the world. Traffic within the city is well organized and drivers are patient. Nevertheless, Vienna is a central and large city, which can lead to congestion. There are excellent public transportation options within the city, so if you want to avoid traffic jams, you can park in one of the suburban parking lots and use public transport.

Vienna Airport is located a few kilometers southeast of the city, and getting from there to the city center is easy and fast by train, bus, or rental car. Ofran offers car rental services at Vienna Airport and at other locations throughout the city. The extensive coverage and excellent service will allow you to plan your trip to the capital of Austria conveniently and easily.
 

Here are some important driving tips in Vienna:
 

◾ Parking in Vienna

Since parking in the city center and tourist areas is limited, it is highly recommended to park in one of the parking lots in the suburbs, especially near the train stations. If you choose to enter the city, note that parking is usually marked with signs and not colored curbs. Make sure to park in authorized parking areas (designated by appropriate signs) and obtain parking tickets, which can be purchased at local kiosks. Be aware that parking regulations may vary between districts.

One cost-effective option for parking is the "Park & Ride Garages" scattered throughout the city, which offer reasonable daily parking rates. All of these parking garages are close to subway stations, which have extensive coverage and high frequency, making it a simple and convenient way to reach the city center.
 

◾ Highway Vignette

Austria's highway system (Autobahnen) is excellent, providing tourists with comfortable and efficient driving experiences along with breathtaking scenery. Driving on highways in Austria requires the payment of a highway toll in advance, indicated by a vignette.

When renting a car in Vienna with Ofran, the highway vignette for Austria is included in the rental price and will be affixed to the car's windshield. Note that there may be toll roads that are not covered by the basic vignette provided by the rental company (similar to toll road 6). Therefore, it's the responsibility of the renters to check with the rental company when picking up the car whether these roads are included and how to pay the toll if necessary.

If you plan to enter Austria from another country, you can purchase the vignette at the border crossing or at gas stations and adhere it to your windshield following the instructions. Driving without a valid vignette can result in hefty fines. Additionally, some tunnels may also require a separate toll. Recently, an app was launched that allows digital payment instead of using a physical vignette. For more information Click here.
 

◾ Leaving Vienna with a Rental Car

One of the most famous and worthwhile routes offered by car rental in Austria is the road leading from Vienna to Salzburg. While it's possible to reach Salzburg from Vienna and vice versa in just a 3-hour drive on the A1 highway, it's recommended to take the slightly longer route that passes through the many Austrian villages on the way to experience more of Austria's local charm.

Exiting Austria to neighboring countries with a rental car is also popular, and you can easily access Germany, Italy, France, and even Slovenia. Be aware that some car groups (especially luxury cars and automatic transmission vehicles) have restrictions for traveling to Eastern European countries. Please make sure to specify the countries you intend to visit during the booking process or inform our representative if booking over the phone, so you can receive written confirmation from the rental company and be covered in terms of insurance and roadside assistance.

Moreover, some European countries, like Switzerland (similar to Austria itself), require a special vignette for traveling on motorways, which can be purchased at kiosks at border crossings. It's the renter's responsibility to buy and use the vignette correctly according to local regulations. Be sure to inquire about the need for a vignette when crossing from one country to another.
 

◾ Headlights

It's recommended to use headlights during all your trips in Vienna, especially during the winter months. This recommendation becomes mandatory by law in cases of fog, snow, or limited visibility.

    
 

 Winter Driving Tips:

Planning a winter vacation in Vienna or heading to the ski resorts? Here are some important winter driving tips:
 

◾ Winter Tires and Snow Chains

By local law, all vehicles in Austria must be equipped with winter tires between November 1 and April 15 each year.

You should also have snow chains on your tires when weather conditions require it, or if road signs indicate it (especially if you're planning a ski vacation). Pay close attention to road signs in areas that require snow chains. When snow chains are in use, driving speeds should be very slow (up to 40 km/h or about 25 mph). Make sure to pre-order snow chains if needed.
 

Anti-Freeze

Be aware that in very low temperatures, the fuel in your tank can freeze. It is recommended to park your car in a sheltered parking lot and/or add anti-freeze fluid to your fuel tank when refueling (a special substance that prevents freezing), which can be purchased if necessary at gas stations.

Renting a car in Vienna with Ofran will allow you to enjoy the advantages of traveling with a rental car in this beautiful city and its surroundings. It provides the freedom to explore all the interesting sites and attractions at your own pace, according to your own schedule.
 

We wish you a safe and enjoyable journey with your rented car in Vienna!

 Parks and Palaces in Vienna

The city of Vienna is renowned for its abundance of parks and palaces, surrounded by impressive gardens. One such example is Schönbrunn Palace, whose history dates back to the Middle Ages, and its well-maintained gardens, which are a noteworthy attraction in their own right. Many of these parks feature sculptures, like "Stadtpark" and Belvedere Park, where you can find Belvedere Castle built in the Baroque style.

The most famous park in the city is Prater. Prater is the largest public park in Vienna, stretching between the Danube River and the Danube Canal, close to Leopoldstadt Street.
 

 Wachau Valley

Within an hour's drive from Vienna lies the beautiful Wachau Valley, spanning 40 kilometers between the towns of Krems and Melk. It includes a section of the Danube River, picturesque villages, monasteries, massive castles, and vineyard-covered hills, all creating a stunning and timeless landscape.

One site not to be missed in the valley is Melk Abbey, perched on a high hill overlooking the Danube River. It's recommended to visit and enjoy the unique design of the gardens and the building itself which are adorned with many works of art. The abbey is considered one of the most beautiful Baroque structures north of the Alps.
 

 Hallstatt

If you are in Vienna, you wouldn't want to miss visiting one of the most picturesque places in all of Austria.

Hallstatt is a village in the Upper Austria region. Here, you will find 16th-century houses with flower-covered balconies nestled by the shores of a stunningly beautiful lake, set against the backdrop of Alpine peaks. The village is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site, as is the Evangelical Church within it. Hallstatt is located about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Vienna, and the journey to the village takes you through a breathtaking scenic route, making every kilometer worth the drive.

The atmosphere and scenery in Vienna are so full of romance that it may seem like a destination suited for couples only. However, the city offers a wealth of attractions and activities for everyone, including children. There are amusement parks, museums, and plenty of open spaces where kids can play and have fun.
 

 Prater Park

At the heart of Prater Park, the city's largest urban park, lies an enormous amusement park with over 250 attractions, including the famous ferris wheel that offers breathtaking views of the entire city. Apart from the rides, the whole family can enjoy a day at the park with activities for all ages, such as horseback riding, a chocolate museum, and even shooting ranges for those interested in extreme activities. Cafés and restaurants are scattered throughout the park, allowing you to relax and enjoy a good meal amidst the colorful park atmosphere.
 

 Zoom Children's Museum

Zoom Children's Museum is an interactive museum where kids can participate in various activities tailored to their age and interests. It's recommended to book tickets in advance as entry to some activities depends on available space. There are exhibitions revolving around the human body, oceans, animations, and more.
 

 Haus des Meeres (House of the Sea), Vienna's Public Aquarium

The aquarium boasts a vast variety of marine life and reptiles. Above the water tanks, you'll find a terrarium housing snakes and various reptiles, while the water tanks themselves are home to sharks, sea turtles, and many other aquatic creatures. Tropical birds and various primates swing among the treetops.

Shopping in Vienna
 

Shopping enthusiasts won't be disappointed. Impressive and elegant shopping centers are among the things that make Vienna so well-known and popular. Long, beautiful avenues with boutique shops or large malls offer everything you need, along with a touch of sophistication.
 

 Designer Outlet Parndorf
This well-known designer outlet which offers more than 160 luxury brands from around the world is just a 30 minute drive from Vienna.
 

 Wien Mitte The Mall

Located in the heart of Vienna, The Mall is a giant shopping center spread over an area of approximately 30,000 square meters. It's considered the best mall in all of Austria, designed in a modern style and offering a complete shopping experience, including clothing, footwear, and accessories at reasonable prices, along with cafés and restaurants. Brands you can find here include Caledonia, H&M, Desigual, and New Yorker.
 

 Graben Street

Graben is known as the street to visit for shopping in Vienna. Wonderful boutiques, beauty shops, watch brands, and footwear brands - everything can be found here. It's one of the famous streets in Vienna's first district, the city center. You'll also find an H&M store here, along with many luxury brands.